SHOPPERS have warned of a drop in footfall and trade in Warminster High Street as one of the town’s big supermarkets decided to end free parking.

It was announced that shoppers using the car park outside Iceland would have to start paying for parking from Monday, October 17.

A warning was posted on local social media to ensure that shoppers are not caught out by the new charges.

But some residents said the move would help to kill off trade in the town centre as many shoppers are reluctant to pay for parking on short trips.

Heather Durbin said: “Way to kill off footfall in the town.”

Tim Marshall said: “Great way to kill local trade.”

Jennie Reed said: “That decision won’t help the town.”

Jacky Gear added: “How to kill the trade in one easy lesson.”

Jim Johnson said: “Plenty of other towns, take your custom elsewhere. It’s the only way to stop this theft of shoppers hard-earned money in a time of severe recession.

“It’s worked well over the past few years, why change it? It’s disgraceful.”

In a bid to claw back shoppers to the High Street, Warminster Town Council is promoting its Warminster Parking Partnership scheme to encourage more people to use independent shops in the town.

The scheme is designed to encourage residents and visitors to give return custom to the retailers of Warminster and claim back payment of up to two hours parking, to the maximum value of £1.50, from participating retailers.

The council said: “Anyone parking in one of the participating car parks can take the pre-printed voucher which is attached to the ticket.

“This voucher can be redeemed in a participating business on the same day of parking.

“The retailer will issue refund and claim the money back from Warminster Town Council. Look out for shops displaying the Parking Partnership logo.”

But Jennie Reed said: “Sadly, some of these are nowhere near a car park and personally, there is only one shop on the list that I use, so not much good for me.”

The 12 retailers taking part are Al Summers Music Studio, Baber Animal Feeds, C J Robbins Butchers, Coates & Parker Ltd, Cornmarket Café Bistro, David Wiltshire Photography, Marks News, Nick’s Cobblers & Keys, S L Corden & Sons, Stitches 4 U, Twirls Sweet Treats, and Warminster Community Hub.